I’ve been to Shakespeare’s Globe in London

And I’ve been to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. But I had never been to Bard on the Beach in my very own city. Until now.

Went to their production of Antony and Cleopatra this weekend (loved it!) and learned a few things from the experience:

1. Date night at Bard on the Beach > date night on the couch. Got that, gentlemen?

2. Tents have roofs. So even if you go on a day that’s less spectacular than this one, you don’t have to worry about a little Vancouver sky water ruining your night.

3. Cleopatra might be your next girl crush. She is a is a feisty, captivating woman (played by Jennifer Lines, pictured centre, with Almeera Jiwa and Sarah Afful, photo by David Blue).

4. Tents are breezy. So at the risk of sounding like your mother, bring your favourite vintage faux fur jacket with you.

5. Cleopatra has more fake gold than you do. And she has more costume changes than Cher. Costume designer Mara Gottler did a beautiful job.

6. Vancouver makes the most beautiful backdrop you could ask for. I’m sorry London, my apologies Ashland, but it’s true. (Photo by David Blue.)

7. Seats are cushy. I stood for all three hours of Romeo and Juliet at the Globe (which was amazing, actually) but you won’t be on your feet at Vanier Park (just make sure you get there early enough to reserve seats — they aren’t assigned).

8. Unless you speak Shakespeare fluently, you’ll want to read the synopsis beforehand. My husband didn’t and at one point, he leaned over to me and whispered “I understand about two percent of what’s going on.” (He crammed during intermission and was fine for the second half.)

9. You can eat licorice allsorts in the theatre! Some of us find that very exciting.

Antony and Cleopatra plays until September 24. Have you been to Bard on the Beach? What did you think?